Mexico & Cuba

2 countries11 UNESCO World Heritage-listed sitesCharacter accommodation: Casa homestay in Trinidad? NEW TOUR!From the Mexican highlands and Mayan ruins to old-world Havana, experience the rich culture and colours of Mexico and Cuba. Discover the contrasts and similarities of these unique countries as we take part in authentic traditions, explore ancient sites and visit local villages.IMMERSE YOURSELF IN MEXICxplore bustling Mexico City. Venture into the city's cultural heart and visit the Zocalo and the magnificent National Palace. Discover the 'place where the gods were created', Teotihuacan, one of Mexico's most impressive and mysterious archaeological sites. Immerse yourself in Mexican tradition in charismatic San Crist bal, and learn about the Mayan culture and traditions in the indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zincantan. Visit the ancient Mayan pyramids of Palenque and enjoy time at the relaxing beach resort town of Playa del Carmen.COLOURFUL CUBASpanish, Caribbean, native Indian and African cultures all blend together to create the Cuban way of life, full of dance and colour! Visit the beautiful Vi ales valley, home to unique limestone hills and tobacco fields, then discover the 'Pearl of the South' - the spectacular natural bay of Cienfuegos and the beautiful El Nicho waterfalls. Continue to the charming UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Trinidad, Cuba's best preserved colonial city. Quirky and colourful Havana will beguile you with its charm. Explore the city by classic car and foot, discovering the murals and sculptures in the streets of Jaimanitas, Casa Fuster and Callejon de Hamel.Note: Cuban CharmA trip to Cuba is a unique and rewarding experience, a country largely untouched until now. This means that hotels, transport and facilities sometimes lack creature comforts. Accommodation may be of varying standards as tourism demands are surpassing current infrastructure and it is possible there can be unexpected changes. As such, travel in Cuba requires an adventurous spirit, flexibility and an open mind.

Inclusions

Travel

Return economy-class flights from Australia to Mexico and the USA. Taxes included.

2 economy-class flights in Mexico

Economy-class flight from Mexico to Cuba

Economy-class flight from Cuba to USA

Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour

All touring in air-conditioned vehicles

Tipping Made Easy, $160pp pre-paid

Accommodation & Meals

16 nights in good quality hotels (3-4 star)

2 nights in a Casa homestay in Trinidad

18 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

Tour Guides

English-speaking locally based guides

Sightseeing

Experience the Mexican zest for life

Tour bustling Mexico City including visits to the Zocalo and National Palace to view the famous Diego Rivera murals.

Experience an authentic trajinera ride through the waterways of Xochimilco and enjoy lunch on board.

View the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City - arguably the most important Christian pilgrimage site in all of Latin America.

Marvel at the mysterious archaeological site of Teotihuacan and see its magnificent pyramids and the well-preserved Temples of the Sun and the Moon.

Tour the spectacular Sumidero Canyon by boat.

Enjoy the stunning scenic drive into the Chiapas Mountains, home to numerous indigenous villages.

Spend two wonderful nights in the colourful town of San Cristobal de las Casas, high in the Chiapas Mountains.

Discover the indigenous Mayan communities of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan. Learn about the Mayan culture and their traditions which are still alive today in these towns.

Admire the incredible turquoise colours of the Roberto Barrios waterfalls.

Explore the ancient Mayan site of Palenque, hidden deep in the lush jungle and boasting several pyramids.

Visit the great pyramid of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!

Visit a tobacco field and drying house at the Hector Luis Prito Cigar Farm, and observe famous Cuban cigars being rolled.

Experience lunch Cuban-style at Finca Agrologic, a typical 'Paladar', with a local Cuban family.

Enjoy the panoramic views over the valley from the Los Jazmines lookout point en route to Las Terrazas.

Stop at the infamous Bay of Pigs, where the failed US Military invasion of 1961 was undertaken and explore the museum.

Enjoy a city tour of charming Cienfuegos, the 'Pearl of the South'. See the historic town-centre, Teatro Tomas Terry, the Main Square, Malecon and Prado.

Cruise to the end of Cienfuegos Bay and visit Jagua Fotress, erected by King Philip V of Spain to protect the bay from pirates.

Stop at picturesque El Nicho Waterfalls, take a guided walk to Salto El Nicho and enjoy some free time for swimming.

Experience Cuban life at a traditional Casa homestay in Trinidad.

Get a taste for the Cuban spirit and spend an evening at famous 'Casa de la Trova' in Trinidad.

Take a city tour of Trinidad, one of Cuba's most enchanting cities, including the Museum of Romance and a visit to the Canchanchara bar to try its namesake cocktail.

Drive through the rows of sugarcane fields in the Valle de los Ingenios and visit the Manaca Iznaga tower for amazing views over the valley.

Visit the Mausoleum of Che Guevara, the monument of the blinded train and the historic centre in Santa Clara.

Tour timeless Havana by classic car including Malecon and Plaza de la Revolucion.

Tour Provider

Bunnik Tours

Number of Days

21

Price From

AUD $11,895

Start Location

End Location

Age Range

Avg. 50+

Group Size

6 to 20

Tour Style

Comfort

Tour Themes

Slow paced

Physical Rating

Moderate

Incudes Flights

Yes

Tour departure dates

Start

End

Availability

Price

28 Apr 2019

18 May 2019

Available

AUD $11,010

09 Jun 2019

29 Jun 2019

Available

AUD $11,010

04 Aug 2019

24 Aug 2019

Available

AUD $11,210

15 Sep 2019

05 Oct 2019

Available

AUD $11,210

27 Oct 2019

16 Nov 2019

Available

AUD $11,610

01 Dec 2019

21 Dec 2019

Available

AUD $11,810

26 Jan 2020

15 Feb 2020

Available

AUD $11,810

01 Mar 2020

21 Mar 2020

Available

AUD $11,810

ItineraryExpand

Mexico & Cuba

Abbreviation: [B,L,D] Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1. Depart Australia - Arrive Mexico City

TRAVEL TIP! Mexico City is a fascinating place and many world class museums can be found here including the Anthropological Museum, Frida Kahlo Museum, Templo Mayor Museum, Bellas Artes Museum and Leon Trotsky's house to name a few. Our sightseeing program in Mexico City is quite full so if you have an interest in visiting any of these museums we would recommend booking at least 2 nights pre tour accommodation to give you time to see those places that may be of particular interest to you.

Bienvenido a Mexico! We arrive in the capital, Mexico City, buzzing with life and full of history.

Day 2. Mexico City

Our day begins with a tour of bustling Mexico City. We visit the Zocalo - the main city square - constructed from the stones of ancient palaces and temples, and the National Palace.

Special Experience: Board an authentic Mexican trajinera for a traditional lunch and cruise through the waterways of Xochimilco.

On our return to the city, we'll stop to explore a colourful arts and crafts market. Tonight we enjoy a group welcome dinner. [B,L,D]

Day 3. Mexico City

After breakfast, we visit the site of Teotihuacan, considered one of the most impressive and mysterious archaeological sites in Mexico. The city was established in 100BC and the name Teotihuacan roughly translates as 'Birthplace of the Gods'. We also visit the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe today, arguably the most important Christian pilgrimage site in Latin America. [B,L]

Day 4. Mexico City - Tuxtla - San Crist bal

This morning we fly to Tuxtla and continue to Chiapa de Corzo and the spectacular Sumidero Canyon, which we'll tour by boat. Enjoy lunch before we travel to charming San Crist bal. [B,L]

Day 5. San Crist bal

Special Experience: In the mountains surrounding San Crist bal, we visit the indigenous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zincantan to learn about the Mayan culture and traditions still alive today.[B,L]

Day 6. San Crist bal - Palenque

Driving through lush, green valleys, we travel to Palenque through the Tabasco region, stopping for lunch. Along the way we'll visit the beautiful turquoise waterfall of Roberto Barrios, cascading to form pools perfect for swimming. [B,D]

Day 7. Palenque - Villahermosa - Merida

Spend the morning discovering the incredible ancient Mayan site of Palenque, boasting several magnificent pyramids. In parts, it is still covered in lush, tropical jungle. This afternoon we'll fly to the historic 'White City' of Merida. [B]

Day 8. Merida - Chich n Itz - Playa del Carmen

Another amazing day of antiquities - this morning we depart for Chich n Itz , the most famous of all Mayan sites and home to the enormous step-pyramid of Kulkulkan. [B,L]

Day 9. Playa del Carmen

Enjoy a day at leisure in sunny Playa del Carmen. This evening we'll enjoy a group dinner to farewell Mexico. [B,D]

Day 10. Playa del Carmen - Havana

TRAVEL TIP! Cuban Charm: A trip to Cuba is a unique and rewarding experience, a country largely untouched until now. This means that hotels, transport and facilities sometimes lack creature comforts. Accommodation may be of varying standards as tourism demands are surpassing current infrastructure and it is possible there can be unexpected changes. As such, travel in Cuba requires an adventurous spirit, flexibility and an open mind.

Today we transfer for our flight to Cuba [B]

Day 11. Havana

Special Experience: Step back in time to the 60s and discover the history and charm of Old Havana on a walking tour this morning.

This afternoon we'll witness the contrasts of 'New' Havana, including the artistic areas of Hamel Island, Fusterland and the Fort of Havana. [B,D]

Day 12. Havana - Vi ales

Today we'll marvel at the incredible valley dotted with limestone hills, known as magotes, as we travel through the beautiful region of Vi ales. [B,L]

Special Experience: Visit a tobacco field and drying house to learn more about the production of cigars before lunch with some locals.

Day 13. Vi ales - Cienfuegos

Today we travel to the busy, colonial-era port of Cienfuegos, the 'Pearl of the South'. Along the way we'll stop at the infamous Bay of Pigs, where the failed US Military invasion of 1961 was undertaken. [B]

Day 14. Cienfuegos

This morning we'll discover beautiful Cienfuegos on a walking tour, visiting the impressive Teatro Tom s Terry and the historic town centre. In the afternoon we'll cruise to the end of the bay to visit Jagua Castle and wander through the village. [B]

Day 15. Cienfuegos - Trinidad

On the way to Trinidad we'll stop to discover El Nicho National Park, home to Cuba's most spectacular waterfalls. Tonight we'll enjoy an evening of music and dancing, Cuban-style, at Casa de la Trova. [B]

Day 16. Trinidad

Wander the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Trinidad and discover its colonial past. This perfectly preserved settlement is one of Cuba's most enchanting cities. We'll also stop at the famous Canchanchara Bar. [B]

Day 17. Trinidad - Havana

We return to Havana, visiting the Che Guevara Mausoleum in Santa Clara along the way. [B]

Day 18. Havana

A day at leisure to enjoy charming Havana, before dinner at a local paladar. [B,D]

Special Experience: Cruise through Old Havana's Malecon and Revolution Square districts by classic car.